Pilots’ Manual

VATSIM/ARTCC REGS
All pilots accepted into Freight Dogs Virtual Air Cargo VA agree to abide by the rules and regulations set forth for pilots by Vatsim/ARTCC’s. It is their platform and pilots are privileged to be able to fly on it, so DO NOT abuse it! Pilots that break Vatsim/ARTCC rules are subject to dismissal from Freight Dogs Virtual Air Cargo and termination from the Vatsim network.

FREIGHT DOGS VIRTUAL AIR CARGO REGS
All Freight Dogs Virtual Air Cargo flights must be flown online on the Vatsim network. Pilots are required to act in a professional manner with other pilots and ATC while on the Vatsim network. Depending on the situation, grievances with other pilots/ATC should be taken up with the pilot’s VA, ARTCC or Vatsim administrators. All Freight Dogs staff members will maintain an “open door” policy so any grievance(s) can be heard. Pilots or Staff maliciously tormenting/provoking other pilots or ATC will not be tolerated. Keep it real, but have fun too!

Aircraft
Pilots can fly any aircraft in their arsenal as long as it hauls cargo or any FDvAC aircraft. For now, pilots will be allowed to fly any skin/repaint they want. Freight Dog repaints may be required once they have been made available.

Callsign
Pilots must use the Freight Dogs callsign in order for your flight to be entered into your Freight Dogs logbook. Flights on other VA’s will not be duplicated on Freight Dogs Virtual Air Cargo.

Flight Plan
All pilots must file a flight plan. All flights must be cargo flights. All flights should start and end at a cargo facility, not passenger terminals at airports with cargo facilities. Pilots are encouraged to taxi to the cargo ramp before terminating your online connection to Vatsim (this will give the Vatsim network and the Freight Dogs website to time to catch up with your flight).

Passenger Flights
Passenger flights need to be flown on another VA, not with Freight Dogs Virtual Air Cargo.

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
Pilots should file IFR flight plans whenever possible but by all means fly VFR when necessary. Bush pilots in Alaska might be an example of VFR ops. Pilots filing IFR should use SIDS/STARS when applicable and be limited only by aircraft equipment or SIDS/STAR availability at airports (not all airports have SIDS/STARS).

Hub Ops
Memphis, TN International Airport is Freight Dogs Virtual Air Cargo Worldwide Headquarters and primary North American Hub. Not all flights need to be to and from Memphis, but any traffic you can give HQ would be appreciated. Other minor hubs will open up in the US and worldwide as the VA continues to grow. Pilots assigned to a particular hub may fly outside their hub as they so desire. Just visit your assigned hub once in a while. New hubs will be assessed/opened when the executive board has determined the need for expansion. Pilots may transfer to another assigned hub with hub management approval.

In-Flight Breaks
Pilots must be at the computer for the entire duration of the flight with the exception of an occasional short break. Use 5 minutes for each hour (not accumulative!) as a guide. If under ATC control, you must ask permission from ATC to leave the cockpit, then report back (Pilots on unicom, must post intentions when leaving and returning on the unicom frequency). So, pilots flying long hour flights do not fall asleep at the wheel, you will get caught and your pirep will be denied.

Pireps
Pireps are filed automatically. The site will track pilots’ flight date, origin, destination, route and block time (wheels up to touchdown). Pilot’s encountering a technical problem with a flight (i.e. errant Vatsim server disconnect) should contact a Freight Dogs manager for assistance in accounting for the flight.

Notams
All pertinent information necessary about changes in VA ops will be posted in the Notams section of the website or in the forum. Pilots should review these before flying for changes.

Ranks/Promotions
Freight Dogs Virtual Air Cargo is performance based. The more flights you log, the closer you get to the next level in rank. Flight hours will determine beginning rank and any promotion(s). Pilots entering into Freight Dogs Virtual Air Cargo with Vatsim flight time could get a higher rank than someone without experience on Vatsim based on number of hours. Maximum hours transferable from Vatsim will be 250 flight hrs to be used toward a pilots Freight Dogs entry rank.

Scheduled Flights / Events
Freight Dog pilots fly their own schedules. Pilots are free to choose when and the route they fly using SIDS/STARS whenever possible. Flights previous flown may be available for reference if in need of a route that someone else has flown. The VA may schedule a flight to coordinate with a Freight Dogs event. Participating in a Freight Dogs event is optional, but highly encouraged.

Minimum Monthly Requirements
All Freight Dog Virtual Air Cargo pilots and staff are required to fly a minimum of one hour block time every 60 days, however, more time in the air is encouraged and appreciated. Failure to log minimum requirement could result in termination from Freight Dogs Virtual Air Cargo. Staff will have the authority to grant a LOA in extreme cases.

Forums
Topics can be discussed and viewed via the forum on a wide range of subjects that mainly pertain to the Freight Dogs Virtual Air Cargo operation. Please keep non pertinent information to a minimum (i.e. things outside of the VA). Vulger language or explicit images will not be tolerated.

Teamspeak
This a great source of communication for pilots and staff. Use of Freight Dogs Virtual Air Cargo teamspeak is optional but highly encouraged. Language needs to be professional as possible (keep it clean!). Please keep the Freight Dogs teamspeak for the use of Freight Dogs pilots and staff only. Do not invite friends into it that aren’t associated with our VA. Vatsim or Partner VA/ARTCC liasons may be allowed by executive order only. Use of our VA teamspeak for gaming outside the VA is prohibited.

Pilot Training
Pilots will have the opportunity to train with experienced VA pilots and instructors. Training is available if needed on an individual or group basis. Some assessment tools may be implemented into the VA structure to assess a pilot’s knowledge and ability. Instructors will be able to cover most any topic pertinent to flying.

Policy Changes
Freight Dogs Virtual Air Cargo reserves the right to change policy at any time when applicable. Pilots will be notified via Notam when these changes occur.